Press release

Korea notch first win with straight sets triumph over Venezuela

Kim Hak-min of Korea attacks against Venezuela's block

Tokyo, Japan, June 6, 2012 - Korea downed Venezuela in straight sets (27-25, 25-22, 25-15) to record their first victory on the fourth day of action in the FIVB Men's World Olympic Qualifying Tournament at Tokyo Metropolitan Gym on Wednesday.

Korea came out energized and played at a high level throughout the match. Korea passed well and excelled on both attacking and blocking.

Venezuela put up a fight in the first set, but could not overcome unforced errors and that consistency of their opponents.

A block by Luis Arias gave Venezuela a 5-3 lead in the first set. A spike by Arias made it 7-5 for Venezuela. The South Americans led 8-5 at the first TTO. Pinerua flew in for a spike and it was 10-6 for Venezuela. Another spike by Pinerua took it to 15-12. Shin's spike off an option play drew Korea within one at 15-14. A reception error put Venezuela up 16-14 at the second TTO. Korea went ahead 17-16 on a spike and Venezuela called a timeout. Kim Hak-Min's spike sailed long and Venezuela was on top 21-19. Arias sent a spike into the net and the score was level at 22-22. Pineura put Venezuela back in front 23-22 with a powerful spike. An Arias spike gave Venezuela set point at 24-23. With the score tied 24-24 Han Sun-Soo fired a service ace and Korea had set point. Pinerua tied it 25-25 with a spike. A block by Choi gave Korea the set at 27-25. Choi had eight points in the set.

A spike by Choi put Korea in front 6-5 in the second set. Choi crushed another spike and Korea led 8-7 at the first TTO. A service ace by Gonzalez moved Venezuela ahead 9-8. With Korea leading 14-11, Venezuela took a timeout. Kim's block of a Pinerua spike made it 16-11 at the second TTO. Kim Yo-Han's spike gave Korea a four-point lead at 20-16. Deivis Yustiz served into the net and Korea had set point at 24-21. Korea claimed the set 25-22 on Shin's spike.

Pinerua's spike moved Venezuela out to a 5-4 lead in the third set. Choi spiked again and Korea was up 7-6. Venezuela sent a spike wide and Korea led 8-6 at the first TTO. Kim Yo-Han's spike made it 13-8 for Korea. Jose Carrasco served into the net and Korea was ahead by six points at 15-9. Gonzalez sent a serve long and Korea took a 16-10 lead into the second TTO. A service ace by Yun Bong-Woo boosted Korea's lead to eight at 19-11 and Venezuela took a timeout. Korea closed out the victory 25-15 on a spike by Kim Yo-Han.